THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

A multimedia project for the organizations Students of the World and The Nature Conservancy, which focused on the impact of climate change on U.S. coastal areas. The work illustrated sustainable measures being taken to help reduce the impact of natural disasters on the places we work and live. The photos were taken in Texas, Louisiana, and California and used in various digital and print publications, including the organization's annual report. Additionally, Liz was the lead producer and interviewer of several videos created for the project.

A view of a marsh off the side of the highway near Grand Isle, Louisiana.

Clarence Dwyer has been a welder for fifty years. Dwyer helped build the oyster reef structures that The Nature Conservancy is placing in the Gulf to reduce coastal erosion. When asked about the disappearing coast, Dwyer said, "It's really disheartening to me. I want to be here, I want [Grand Isle] to stay here. I want to be able to collect the fruits of my labors. I don't want the storms to take it away, or the Gulf to wash it away."

Chase Wallace participates in educational workshops The Nature Conservancy provides during the school year and summer. The workshops teach students about Grand Isle’s forests, marshes and beaches, and the importance of protecting the flora and fauna of the island.

Captain Keith “Herk” Bergeron owns Pair-a-Dice Charters, a professional fishing guide business on Grand Isle, LA. A healthy ecosystem is essential for Bergeron’s business to thrive. The marshes and oyster reefs act as a habitat for young fish that are the food source for the larger fish Herk and his customers catch.

A marsh on the side of a Louisiana highway.

E.J. Remson. Ventura, CA.

Farmland in Ventura, CA.

The Santa Clara River in Ventura, CA.

The Santa Clara River in Ventura, CA.

Orange grove in Ventura, California near the Santa Clara River.

Sanger “Sandy” Hedrick has been a farmer for over 50 years in Ventura, CA. He is the founder of the Hedrick Ranch Nature Area, a 260-acre preserve now owned by the Friends of the Santa Clara River. They are working to restore the land to its native state.

A tree on The Nature Conservancy’s protected property near Ormond Beach in Ventura, CA.

Sergio Vargas is an engineer for the Ventura County Watershed Protection District. This district provides for the control and conservation of flood and storm waters and for the protection of communities in the district from damage or destruction from these waters. Vargas is a major supporter of The Nature Conservancy’s efforts in Ventura, CA.

Walter Fuller, the “Bird Protector,” does his early morning rounds to count the different species of birds he sees at Ormond Beach. Fuller has been a birdwatcher for over 35 years, and keeps a meticulous record of bird activity on the beach. He volunteers for The Nature Conservancy and acts as a watchdog to protect the area and keep track of the bird population.

Homes on Port Bolivar, Texas.

A family feeds a flock of seagulls at the Texas City Dyke. The dyke was heavily damaged in 2008 by Hurricane Ike, but was rebuilt and reopened in 2010. Its main purpose is to prevent severe flooding of Texas City communities during a hurricane.

Buddy Janca was hired by The Nature Conservancy to help work on coastal and prairie restoration projects at the Texas City Preserve. Buddy is a great example of how The Nature Conservancy helps protect and preserve our environment as well as boost local economies by providing jobs.

This video shows the work The Nature Conservancy is doing in Grande Isle Louisiana to restore the gulf coast in order to prevent flooding, loss of habitat, and reduce the impacts of extreme weather on people and their property.